Parliament, Friday, 19 November 2021 – The Portfolio Committee on Social Development will from tomorrow, Saturday 20 November until Tuesday 23 November 2021, hold public hearings on the Children’s Amendment Bill [B18-2020] in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The hearings are part of a nationwide process to garner the views of the public on the amendment Bill.
In line with efforts to protect the rights and lives of children, the committee resolved to undertake countrywide public consultations, as obligated by the Constitution. The Amendment Bill the committee is considering, seeks to strengthen protective measures for children and close gaps in the child protection system.
Furthermore, the Bill is intended to improve child foster-care services and resolve the parental responsibilities of unmarried fathers, as well as the services provided to children born to foreign parents and unaccompanied migrant children.
Parliament has made a commitment and strategic intention to enhance access to the work of Parliament and the legislation-making process, and improve public participation in general. As such, the committee will visit four districts in KZN to gather public views on the proposed legislation to ensure that the Bill is responsive to practical occurrences on the ground.
The committee remains mindful that the scheduled public hearings happen during trying times, with the threat of Covid-19 still prevalent, and has taken due regard to ensure adherence to Covid-19 guidelines and regulations.
Details of the Public Hearings (Day 1)
Date: Saturday, 20 November 2021
Venue: Machibini Hall, Jozini
Time: 10:00
Download the full programme of the KZN hearings using this link: https://tinyurl.com/zxewmwuc
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, MS NONKOSI MVANA.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Malatswa Molepo (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za
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